First of all let me explain that I am new to this sport and I am looking for any help I can get.

I recently bought a 1989 32 Wellcraft Scarab project. I am getting 44.1 MPH on the GPS wide open on a lake at 4800 foot. The engines (454 magnum’s and Bravo One drives) are turning 4000 RPM at full throttle turning Quick Silver, three blade, Propellers (part number 48 13704 A40 23P and 48 13705 A40 23P). The engines seem to run well and have good compression.

What RPM should I be turning once it is properly trimmed and rigged?

My Props seem to be in good shape with no nicks or gouges but I am sure I need to change them for the change in altitude. I desire high end speed and am not worried about loosing acceleration out of the hole. Should I go with 3, 4 or 5 blade props? Stainless or aluminum?

With the tabs all the way up, when I try to trim the engines out or up, they instantly start to slip and very shortly there after blow out and the boat starts to slow down / RPM goes up quickly. Is this normal or common with this type of boat or drive combination? It seems like there is still a lot of boat in the water at cruise.

When I bought the boat the drives were way out of alignment. What is the best technique for bringing these to the proper alignment?

The bottom (below the water line) was coated with a rough paint that looks like it was put on with a broom. Could this be slowing me down? Should I sand it off this winter and repaint the bottom?

Thanks for your help.

Removal of antifouling paint on my boat was worth 8mph on gps.

4000 rpm is way low for 454 mags. 5000 is max preferred.